Cajun Shrimp and Crab Gumbo

Cajun Shrimp and Crab Gumbo

Ingredients:
1 pound fresh shrimp
1 pound crab meat (or whole boiled, cleaned crab or crab claws)
1 pound fresh okra (or frozen cut okra)
1 medium onion
1 medium bell pepper
2 stalks celery
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon filé powder (if available)
3 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or a can of tomatoes)
1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups water (more if the gumbo becomes too thick)
Cooked white rice

Directions:
1. Peel the shrimp. Slice the okra. Coarsely chop the onion, bell pepper and celery. Peel and chop the garlic.
2. Sauté the onion, pepper and celery in the oil in a large pot (an old cast iron pot is best). When the onion starts to become translucent, add the okra. Cook until it loses its sliminess, then add the shrimp and garlic.
3. When the shrimp turn pink, add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, water and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then simmer about 20 minutes.
4. Add the crab and simmer 5 more minutes. Serve over fluffy white rice in bowls.

Tip:
Oysters can be added with the crab, and some people also add sausage. To stretch the gumbo for unexpected company, just add water.